No. The Iona School is open to anyone. Our community is the school, not a prerequisite. You are welcome regardless of your church background or current membership.
We believe any person can lead a team of musicians with any instrument. The program will grow your skills — you don't need to be advanced. We're looking for teachability and calling, not virtuosity.
No. Each path awards a Certificate in Ministry in Music. Embark awards The Iona School Embark Diploma, a cumulative Professional Certificate. These are formation credentials, not academic degrees. They represent real competency in ministry leadership developed through hands-on work in a local church.
Paths 1 and 2 require a weekly sessions of 60–90 minutes plus scheduled Sunday service participation and a post-service potluck. Expect 3–5 hours per week for Path 1 and 5–6 hours per week for Path 2.
During Lent in Path 2, the cohort travels to Iona Abbey in Scotland for a five-day pilgrimage. Walking the paths that Columba walked, worshipping in the ancient abbey, reflecting on vocation and calling. Cohort members fundraise their trip as a form of ministry training. It is an extraordinary formative experience.
Yes. Each path is a complete credential and a natural stopping point. You are never obligated to continue to the next path. Many people will find that Path 1 gives them everything they need to serve faithfully in their context.
It is a commissioning — permission and equipping to launch your own Iona School wherever God sends you, with lifetime access to all curriculum and resources. You become a new origin point for the mission.
Completely free! There is no tuition. The only cost is fundraising your pilgrimage to Iona Abbey — and we'll teach you how to do that too.
Path 1 begins in September. Applications close in August. If you miss the window, reach out to us with the contact form and we're happy to figure something out.
Use the contact page for any questions. We'd love to hear from you.